DIY: Automatic Tailgate and Unlock/Lock Projects with Pics..

[WT]

Originally Posted by Twinster

I'll open it up and mess with it again this weekend. my problem is when i pull the handle to open the tailgate, the rod doesn't get pulled b/c the actulator is not sitting all the way up. So its not fully unlock. Hard to explain but hopefully i'll get it this weekend.

Okay I understand the issue now, Its a matter of getting the throw just right but it should work. I test to be sure everything works just right before closing up the panel. I am sure you figure out the right placeing of the actuator on the bracket.

[Gunner Tundra]

Just finished up this MOD. I'd say it's one of the "MUST DO" simply for convenience and most bang for the buck enjoyable MODs to do. I only did the lock/unlock actuator, but now I don't have to turn off my truck just to use the key to get something from the bed. Thanks to WT for the Outstanding PDF/post. BTW, I used the Harada brand Actuator from The Right Connection Pt No. DLA-01.

[WT]

Originally Posted by Gunner Tundra

Just finished up this MOD. I'd say it's one of the "MUST DO" simply for convenience and most bang for the buck enjoyable MODs to do. I only did the lock/unlock actuator, but now I don't have to turn off my truck just to use the key to get something from the bed. Thanks to WT for the Outstanding PDF/post. BTW, I used the Harada brand Actuator from The Right Connection Pt No. DLA-01.

Well Thanks and I agree got to love the tailgate lock even if you don't do anything else.

Congratulations and glad everything worked out for you and looks like you found another source for an actuator while doing the mod.

[Twinster]

I got it working! Thanks for the direction and pictures. I had to whip out the dremel tool to shave the actulator head for a smooth operation. Tap the wires straight to the passenger side Dark Blue and Big Gray wires. Now I have to hook up the trunk wires to my alarm so my tailgate can drop when I hit the trunk button.

[WT]

Originally Posted by Twinster

I got it working! Thanks for the direction and pictures. I had to whip out the dremel tool to shave the actulator head for a smooth operation. Tap the wires straight to the passenger side Dark Blue and Big Gray wires. Now I have to hook up the trunk wires to my alarm so my tailgate can drop when I hit the trunk button.

Good to hear you got it all working , be sure to add a relay in line with your aftermarket alarm trigger for the trunk button. Don't want to burn out the output on your alarm trigger since most of those outputs are low current draw usually.

[Psychosis]

Finally got around to doing the auto lock/unlock today. Don't really think I need the auto open part done (ran wire like the OP did, 4 18ga. wires in one bigger wire) but have 2 extra wires waiting if I ever decide to. I had a little trouble with full unlock and had to shave off some of the end of the actuator to make it work smooth. Never thought about maybe raising the actuator on the bracket up higher, might have worked better. Either way it works smoot as butter now.

Wire I used was just like this but not monster brand and mine is 18ga. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2344403

I also added a interlocking connector between the tailgate and the bed. Got it at radio shack and it came with both male and female sides, it locks right together perfect and comes apart easily if I need to remove the tailgate. I filled them with dielectric grease to keep it waterproof too. Here are the connectors. http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2103292

The one thing that I would like to do is make it a tad quieter when it throws but I guess thats a good indicator that it is working.

Thanks for the mod info.

[Marky_Mark]

Just seen this! All I can say is wow!!! You guys are tops in doing mods like this! Puttin' this on my near future mods list for sure!

[buddha125]

So, I got all the stuff together, programmed the module, ran the wires, cracked open the passenger side door sill....

and NONE of the wires resemble the ones in the pictures!

I tried metering them with no great results. So if you don't mind, I would like to pick everyones brain a bit.

If you have done this mod and found the wire colours to be different:

1) Anyone have any pictures/wiring diagrams from when they did this mod?
2) I have an '07 Double Cab. Any reason you can think of that mine would be radically different than the Crew Max in this post?

Thanks for your help with all of this!

Cheers,
Sean

[Tundra Tin Man]

All I have to say is NEAT...............

[duanels]

Like the sound of this mod.
I have a topper on my truck.
How would you guys handle that so the automatic tailgate would open?

[duanels]

Ray Kane

Try this link Dee Zee EZ Down Tailgate Assist
This might help you

[Marky_Mark]

^^Our trucks have that already. This is a different mod, unless you are referring to someone that does not have it already.

[madehtsobi]

Are the wiring differernt on the 08 models?????

TIA

[catalyst105]

Originally Posted by madehtsobi

Are the wiring differernt on the 08 models?????

TIA

No, I followed this DIY when I did my 08. Just test the wires before you cut or connect just because there are a lot of wires and similar colors, especially the blue wires.

[madehtsobi]

Originally Posted by catalyst105

No, I followed this DIY when I did my 08. Just test the wires before you cut or connect just because there are a lot of wires and similar colors, especially the blue wires.

its the front passenger side correct?

which one is the "unlock" wire?

and positive one?

thanks!